Our family of 5 will be going to DL & DCA for the very first time this June. We are staying in a good neighbor hotel directly across the street. Where are the security checkpoints located and how far in advance should we walk over?”

Hello, Jasmine!

I’m thrilled to hear you’re planning a first visit to the Disneyland Resort. Your family is sure to make so many magical memories together at the Happiest Place on Earth!

The Good Neighbor Hotels are a great option for families who want to stay close to the magic at a Disney-approved hotel. Your family can walk right into the Disneyland Resort from the hotels along and adjacent to Harbor Blvd. if that’s where you’re staying. Simply head down the sidewalk lining Harbor Blvd. from your hotel and continue until you reach the large sign for the Disneyland Resort. The path beneath it will lead you to a security checkpoint, which is just a few steps before the main entrance turnstiles of the two theme parks. There is another security checkpoint at the entrance of the Downtown Disney District on the opposite side of the resort.

The time spent at the security checkpoints can vary depending on the time of day and how busy the resort is, but the lines move fairly quickly. On average, my family usually spends 5-10 minutes passing through the security procedures. To expedite the screening process, be sure to open any bag compartments or zippers and remove the item’s straps from your body before reaching the front of the line. The entire trip from your hotel to the theme parks should take about 15-20 minutes on foot, depending which hotel you’ve booked.

Stop by City Hall at Disneyland Park or the Chamber of Commerce at Disney California Adventure Park to pick up a complimentary “1st Visit” celebration button for each of you to add a little extra magic to your visit. I hope this helps, Jasmine. Please send us more questions as you put the finishing touches on your pixie-dusted vacation!

Meet the Panelist: Courtney, California

I'm a lifelong Californian who's been making magical memories at the Happiest Place on Earth since I was a little girl! Now that I'm the mom of a spirited son and daughter, I love seeing the Disneyland Resort through their young eyes. Our family is perpetually planning our next Disney Parks adventure, and I'm excited to help make your dream vacation a pixie-dusted reality too!Learn More About Courtney

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